About

Bloodtooth® immerses the user in a high-quality fictional universe as told through novels and their derivative game modules. Read the books, know the characters, place yourself in their world, and role-play within the story.

Hi! My name is Rebecca VanAcker. I've been playing the Universal Horizons (UH) multi-genre tabletop role-playing game for three years now. I develop content, create artwork, and write novels based on the UH genre, “Bloodtooth.” I've played some computer RPG's, video games, etc. Wow, what a difference face-to-face role-playing is! The veteran players I joined didn't even mind my newb-ness—every character plays an important part.

Universal Horizons supports creativity and good storytelling. Do you ever insert yourself into the storyline of a movie or book? I'm going to take a leap here and suggest that every creative person does this. I know I do. UH offers opportunities to walk in the footsteps of the heroes, resolve situations they could not, and solve problems they weren't aware of.

Universal Horizons facilitates variable storyline immersion while maintaining the integrity of your character concept, by smoothly transferring characters from one world or genre to another. To get a flavor for the system, please watch the video “UH Introduction.” (below)

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We are Kickstarting the Universal Horizons Bloodtooth genre. Bloodtooth is a gothic, conspiracy-theory campaign, based in an alternate-reality 1980's Earth with supernatural elements. The general population regards magic and the occult as myths and most governments deny that such things exist.

I love the retro-gothic Bloodtooth genre. It offers infinite possibilities for intrigue and plot developments, all set in a world very like our own (on the outside). I've enthusiastically jumped into creating stories for this genre (I've always loved vampire/werewolf stuff and set in the 80's? So cool.)

The Wolf's Heart novel trilogy introduces the Bloodtooth genre and generates a connection to characters and storylines. The three Wolf's Heart novels spawn modules, which continue and develop the story. Support modules include: Save the Soul, Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao, and Russian Beauties.

Bloodtooth is one of many genres UH offers. Other genres span future, fantasy, modern, and anamorphic worlds. For example, Araqunidia is an intricate, high-tech apocalyptic genre. AJ Schmidt and John Teske, the creators of Universal Horizons, support new genres and develop new spells and creatures. If we meet a stretch goal, we will include and expand these projects.

What are the Wolf's Heart novels about? Read on.

Wolf's Heart.
In 1983, Eyana, an enslaved werewolf, hunts a powerful rogue vampire. Something is different about this vampire. The vampire's name is Kire, and he's the first person to be kind to Eyana in as long as she can remember. When Kire promises to free Eyana from her terrible curse, she must decide whether to trust him, or to deliver him to her master. Will Kire discover the secret of Eyana's enslavement and turn her against her master? The past surges into the light, threatening and promising to save Eyana's hopes for freedom.

Wolf's Heart 2: Fenfang.
Kire and Eyana search for the secret of the red stone that controls her. Early on however, someone else uses the rock, enslaves her, and compels her to do their bidding. Kire's vampire ally, Fenfang, joins his quest to rescue Eyana, but keeps her true intentions to herself. Old secrets come to light as Kire and Fenfang confront holy werewolves, vampire assassins, and a powerful, ancient foe. Dark and lonely secrets seethe in the depths, threatening to drown Eyana's light forever.

Wolf's Heart 3: Leyenda.
Kire and Eyana fulfill their obligation to the holy Tewa werewolves: to destroy the vampire stranglehold on Ethiopia. The vampire houses of the world take notice of Kire's presence and it's only a matter of time until one fiend or another finds and tries to kill Kire for his power. Martín Cortés is one of those fiends. He's enraged by his mother's death and boldly vows to find and kill the one responsible for it—who happens in part to be Kire. But Martín Cortés is far from being Kire's only worry; there are witches, ghosts, and even gods. Powerful forces align in this third installment of Wolf's Heart. Ancient legends emerge and collide and Kire and Eyana are caught in the middle.

Below, we have described several Universal Horizons game modules based on the Wolf's Heart trilogy.

Save the Soul -
An Addendum to Wolf''s Heart 2: Fenfang.
Help Bao Yu the foreteller dispel her nightmares: save the tormented soul. Visit shops in Chinatown, travel through blighted warehouse districts, and meet crime syndicates. Vampire spawns plague the shadows, ghosts demand respect, and dead queens never leave their treasures unguarded. Glittering wealth and powerful weapons beckon from secret nooks in deep dark hiding places. All of this lies on your path to the tormented soul, whom you must reach before it's too late—for her, and for you.

Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao:
Sequel to Save the Soul.
Bao Yu the Foreteller's son, Dishi, is in trouble again, and you have the only thing that can help him: the Spirit Sever Dao. Find Dishi and give him the sword. A simple task, no? You'll have to join the circus to complete it. There's a warlock, a werewolf, and Harry Houdini's magical Egg. Eighties era video games come into play, right next to Chinese mythological spirits. Have fun and strut your stuff in this hodgepodge as you Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao.

Russian Beauties:
Part Three of the Save the Soul Series.
Nina's up to her old tricks. She's stolen Hou's Egg and fenced it in Russia. You're off to the Soviet Union of 1983. Confront werewolves and the Russian Mafia; recover the egg and save Nina from herself. Are you fool enough?

We'll be at Gen Con this year, so stop by Booth 2348, say “Hi!,” and pick up some fun UH products.

If one of your rewards is artwork, you may view some of what is available at Rebecca VanAcker's website: RebeccaVanAcker.com

If one of your pledge rewards is a T-shirt, here it is

Stretch Goals

Stretch Goal 1. $35,000
Modules are full color, cover to cover.

Stretch Goal 2. $50,000
Additional module It's a Blast included for free in any package that is at least $50 and that includes the Player's Handbook.

Stretch Goal 3. $65,000
Additional module Russian Beauties included for free in any package that is at least $50 and that includes Save the Soul and Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao.

Stretch Goal 4. $80,000
Addtional module Heradise Gained included for free in any package that includes Bug Hunt.

Stretch Goal 5. $95,000
Magic of Araqunidia available for purchase.

Stretch Goal 6. $110,000
Magic of Bloodtooth available for purchase.
Revise & Reprint Player's Handbook; include as part of packages.

Risks and challenges

We've done a lot of work—even published the Players Handbook and several modules. So why are we kickstarting this genre?

Simple: We need money to print novels and modules. We've obtained an estimate for printing two modules and three novels. We also have a lot of time invested here and it would be nice to have some kind of income for that, but for the moment we are more concerned with getting our work out there so people can experience and enjoy it.

Universal Horizons strongly supports U.S. businesses. American workers create all the printing, design, and artwork. When we need help, we hire local editors and artists. Our product’s prices compare to others in the market, so we accept this challenge without bidding out to foreign markets.

We are an independent family-run company located in Wisconsin, the birthplace of modern tabletop role-playing games. We all share in the duties and responsibilities for the company and products. If there is an emergency, family comes first. Only an emergency could cause delays, but this would be the only risk we can think of.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge US$ 2 or more
About US$ 2.00

We support RPG and Fantasy.

We understand how hard it is to create and market great fantasy. Here's to your future success.
The first five chapters of Wolf's Heart can be read for free on Rebecca's website at http://rebeccavanacker.com/wolfsheart5chapters.html

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 10 or more
About US$ 10

Art-lovers.

You will receive a signed Art Print of your choice from Rebecca, 8" x 10."
For all “choice of artwork” pledges: You may choose any piece of artwork shown in a video here (as long as it has not already been claimed, in the case of original artwork) or on Rebecca VanAcker's website, in the Universal Horizons section. (rebeccavanacker.com) Please note that this reward does not include cover artwork.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 50 or more
About US$ 50

First to Play!

Receive one copy each of the Wolf's Heart derivative game modules: "Save the Soul" and "Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao," first run set, signed, numbered, and personalized.*
*In order to play the modules, you must also purchase the Player's Handbook.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 50 or more
About US$ 50

We Want Modules!*

Receive one copy of each of the following Universal Horizons game modules:
"Bug Hunt" (Maiden Voyage to Araqunidia genre)
"It's a Trip" (Bloodtooth genre)
"Save the Soul" (Bloodtooth)
"Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao" (Bloodtooth)
*In order to play the modules, you must also purchase the Player's Handbook.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 60 or more
About US$ 60

Bloodtooth Expansion: "Wolf's Heart"

Receive all three Wolf's Heart novels and the derivative game modules, "Save the Soul" and "Quest for the Spirit Sever Dao."*
*In order to play the modules, you must also purchase the Player's Handbook.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 60 or more
About US$ 60

Art Connoisseur's

Original signed artwork, Choice.
For all “choice of artwork” pledges: You may choose any piece of artwork shown in a video here (as long as it has not already been claimed, in the case of original artwork) or on Rebecca VanAcker's website, in the Universal Horizons section. (http://www.rebeccavanacker.com/universalhorizons.html)
Please note that this reward does not include cover artwork.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 75 or more
About US$ 75

Early Bird Special - Character Sketch

Receive one persona, full color, based on description emailed to the Artist. The Artist will mail you an electronic copy and the original piece. 8”x10” watercolor/pencil on artist quality paper; color wash background.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 150 or more
About US$ 150

Cool Package

You will receive everything listed for the $90 Everything Playable package and the following:
Art print of choice*
T-shirt
Wolf's Heart novels 1, 2, and 3
Your name will be printed in the credits in all three Wolf's Heart novels.
*For all “choice of artwork” pledges: You may choose any piece of artwork shown in a video here or on Rebecca VanAcker's website, in the Universal Horizons section. (http://www.rebeccavanacker.com/universalhorizons.html)
Please note that this reward does not include cover artwork.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 250 or more
About US$ 250

You Rock

You will receive everything listed for the Cool Package and the following:
A Character Sketch - email the description of one persona to the artist; she will mail you a digital copy and the original. Watercolor and pencil on high quality artist paper; solid wash background.
Original artwork of choice*
*For all “choice of artwork” pledges: You may choose any piece of artwork shown in a video here (as long as it has not already been claimed) or on Rebecca VanAcker's website, in the Universal Horizons section.
rebeccavanacker.com
Please note that this reward does not include cover artwork.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

Immortalize Me

Your character will be mentioned in a module. Original artwork character sketch included - watercolor and pencil on high quality artist paper; solid background wash. Email your description of one persona to the artist. She will mail you a digital copy and the original.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,000 or more
About US$ 1,000

I Make a Difference

Your character will be written into a module as a prominent NPC. Original artwork character sketch included - watercolor and pencil on high quality artist paper; solid background wash. Email your description of one persona to the artist. She will mail you a digital copy and the original.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 5,000 or more
About US$ 5,000

VIP Rodeo

The game designer will come to your convention of choice and run your character and friends (up to 6) through 8 hours of game module(s) of your choice. Includes character sketches and montage of the party. Choose your convention within the next year.